Houston police release video of wanted robbery suspects attacking a 70-year-old man with his stick near Tidwell Road

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities are searching for two robbery suspects after they say a 70-year-old man was beaten with his own stick last month.

Houston police released surveillance video showing the Sept. 22 incident outside a cell phone store in the 8700 block of Tidwell Road.

According to police, two suspects approached the victim around 3:45 p.m. One of them allegedly hit the man in the face, causing him to fall.

A video shows one of the suspects ripping the stick out of the victim's hand and beating him with it.

“They kept kicking me, so I saw my stick. I got my stick to try to pull her out. And the rubber part of my stick came out and that's when they grabbed the stick and started hitting me with it,” the victim said, Thomas Shelby said in an interview only on ABC13. “The guy in the mask hits me in the eye with the cane.

HPD says the suspects took the man's cell phone, cash and cigarettes before fleeing.

“They said, 'Man, you owe us $25, you know?' And I said, 'Man, I've never seen any of you in my life,'” Shelby said. “While he's talking to me, the other guy comes around the security guard and hits me and knocks me down and they start kicking me and stomping me around.”

Shelby told Eyewitness News he was injured and in pain but was recovering. He said he will be examined by an ophthalmologist next week to determine what is wrong with his eye. At this point, the eye that was hit with the stick is very difficult to see.

The first suspect is described as a black male wearing a white shirt and black shorts, and the second suspect is a black male wearing a black sweater and brown pants.

Authorities urge you to contact HPD directly at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers of Houston if you have any information related to this investigation.

Information leading to the indictment and/or arrest of suspects may result in a cash payment of up to $5,000.

Tipsters must contact Crime Stoppers directly to remain anonymous and be considered for a cash payment by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a tip online or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.

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